Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube, [email protected]
VICTORIA Falls and its surrounding areas came alive on December 22 as the community gathered to celebrate Unity Day with an exciting football tournament in Chidobe.
The event, marking the anniversary of the Unity Accord, attracted hundreds of locals who came together to enjoy the spirit of sportsmanship and unity.
The Mvuthu Unity Cup, sponsored by football benefactor Martin Mhlanga, saw 16 teams from four local football associations — Chidobe-Kachechete Football Association, Mosi Football Association, Zambezi Football Association, and Ndlovu Football Association — competing for glory.
Teams from across the region participated, including Zambezi FC, Chakona FC, Jengwe United, Dibutibuti United, Mosi FC, Blackstars FC and Lion’s Den FC all aiming to secure the coveted Unity Cup.
The teams were divided into two groups of eight for the group stages. Group A featured Blackstars, Chakona, Jengwe United, Turnal Tigers, Dibutibu United, Indlovu, Super Eagles, and Lion’s Den, while Group B included Dragon, Naira Stars, Masters FC, Black Leopards, Lupinyu Bullets, Rainbow FC, Red Wipers, and Mopane FC.
The matches were intense, with several exciting outcomes. Blackstars triumphed 2-1 over Chakona, Jengwe United secured a 2-1 win over Turnal Tigers, and Dibutibu United dominated Indlovu with a 5-0 victory.
However, the tournament wasn’t without its drama. Mopane FC made it to the quarter-finals as the best loser after Rainbow and Lupinyu Bullets were disqualified for fielding Division 2 players, as the competition was designed for Under-23 players not affiliated with any professional league.
As the knockout rounds unfolded, Blackstars overcame Red Wipers 2-1, Dibutibu United edged Jengwe United 1-0, Dragon won 3-1 in a penalty shootout against Black Leopards, and Mopane FC triumphed 3-1 over Lion’s Den, also after a penalty shootout. The stakes grew higher, and the competition grew fiercer.
In the battle for third place, Dragon defeated Blackstars 3-0, while Dibutibu United clinched victory in the final, beating Mopane FC 1-0 to win the tournament and a US$186 prize, along with the Unity Cup trophy. Mopane received US$126 for finishing as runners-up, Dragon earned US$76 for third place, and Blackstars took home US$56 for fourth.
Tournament co-ordinator Given Ndlovu said that the primary goal of the Mvuthu Unity Cup was to discover hidden talent in rural areas and to promote youth involvement in sports as a means of combating drug and substance abuse.
“The mission of this tournament was to identify talent in rural areas and promote youth through sport while fostering unity and togetherness within our community,” Ndlovu said.
The tournament also served as a vital platform for rising stars. Mhlanga, the tournament’s sponsor, said more than 10 players under the age of 20 had been identified for promotion into higher-level football, particularly Victoria Falls City FC.
“Our concept was to identify upcoming talent, especially Under-23 players, as this gives us good continuity for the future of our football project,” he explained.
Online Reporter